Utah Jazz: Takeaways from opening night against the Denver Nuggets

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 18: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz gestures after a first half call during their game against the Denver Nuggets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 18, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 18: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz gestures after a first half call during their game against the Denver Nuggets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 18, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 18: Alec Burks
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 18: Alec Burks

Alec Burks is healthy and ready to contribute

Over the last couple of seasons, Alec Burks has had to deal with a myriad of injuries, but he showed Wednesday night that he is fully healthy and ready to contribute in a big way. Burks scored 16 points in 15 minutes, including 10 points in the fourth quarter alone. He looked just as explosive as ever, and also looks to have a much improved three-point stroke.

The Jazz are going to need his ability to create his own shot, and if he continues to play like this off the bench, he should be staking his claim as a potential Sixth Man of the Year. Depending on the play of Rodney Hood, he could also be pushing for a role in the starting lineup.

It’s been hard for Alec Burks supporters to watch as he has struggled through injuries the last two years, but it was a joy to see “Houdini” back in action and playing well tonight.